| March 6, 2024
The 2024 FIM E-Xplorer series was held in Osaka, Japan, on February 16-17 for the first round of the electric off-road racing World Cup. Midori Moriwaki was the event promoter, and we got to discuss the event with her.
Midori Moriwaki is the event promoter of 2024 FIM E-Xplorer Series in Japan, which had its first race a few weeks ago.
By Eric Peronnard
Moriwaki was born into motorsports, as her grandfather is the legendary Hideo “Pops” Yoshimura, the founder of Yoshimura R&D, and her father is Mamoru Moriwaki, founder of Moriwaki Engineering Co. Midori Moriwaki has managed race teams that include a recent stint in MotoGP.
Tell us how you jumped from Superbike team owner to Electric Off-Road event racing organizer?
I don’t see it as a jump. The way I see is that it’s all part of the two-wheeled world, it doesn’t matter to me whether we’re talking about combustion engines or electric motors, the important thing is that the motorsports are using innovative technologies. When this championship was conceived, I was eager to speak to founder Valentin Guyonnet, who comes from Formula E. I believe that it’s important that those involved understand motorsport as we set about developing this new era of motorcycling, which comes after 100 years of the combustion engine, of course. We have to grow together, and it’s not just down to one person or one society but will take a joint effort and a huge amount of work. It’s not important whether you’re the racing organizer, it’s important that those involved understand next-gen motorsports. It is also about the development and exchange of technology, also between the two- and four-wheeled world, and so it’s key that the racing also helps to develop the batteries and motors.
Where do you see electric-motor racing going?
This is a crucial time, and one that involves everybody, from manufacturers, to race organizers, to the fans. Right now, the global motorcycle market still centers around combustion engines. There are also regional factors, with different types of bikes selling in different parts of the world, like small sport bikes in South-East Asia, for example. Sustainability and global warming are key concerns, of course. We cannot just focus on racing for its own sake but must consider innovative technology and how we can harness it rather than only considering our own interests. That said, companies still need to make a profit of course, so we need to find a way to balance the electric and combustion products, without moving too fast with the electric side. This is an ongoing discussion, and we need to understand the correct way to move forward, considering that these are two very different types of bikes for manufacturers to be building.
Tell us more about Honda participating with their new prototype CR-E and supporting the race.
As of this year, Honda will compete as a permanent entry in the E-Xplorer, which sends a very important message to the world. Considering Honda is a giant in terms of global sales, this demonstrates just how serious the electric age will be, with all the main manufacturers now turning their thoughts to this.
Although I grew up in the combustion-engine era, I realize the importance of this new era and that we are doing the right thing in promoting it. I was in Osaka for the E-Xplorer and there were so many people in the park who know nothing of motorsport. As soon as they saw how quiet the bikes are, which meant the children around were not scared at all, the families bought tickets to attend and enjoyed the event. And when I saw how happy everyone was, I realized we had done the right thing in putting the event on. And this is also important, as it will bring a new audience, new fans, who will hopefully be encouraged to come to the racetracks. CN
Read the race coverage and results of 2024 FIM E-Xplorer World Cup round one HERE. The next FIM E-Xplorer event is planned for May 3-4 in Norway. To learn more about the FIM E-Xplorer World Cup, visit www.fimexplorer.com
